Fannon has to face music - May 28 2008
Fannon has to face music
May 28 2008
Shepparton News
Reigning North Eastern Soccer League best and fairest Carl Fannon will front a Football Federation Victoria tribunal after an investigation into his registration recommended a hearing yesterday.
The Cobram Soccer Club player was subject to the state federation investigation after it received an anonymous tip-off last week alleging he was registered under the name Carl Smith at metropolitan club Stonnington City.
Federation tribunal and disciplinary manager Max Gratton will finalise charges against Fannon in time for a hearing to be held in Melbourne on June 11.
Fannon will likely be charged with playing under a false name and being dual registered.
The Melbournebased English player faces what the state federation considers a landmark case given Fannon is the first player to be investigated regarding a dual registration.
Federation operations manager Tony Persoglia yesterday said the investigation into Fannon and Smith's registration papers and playing history had found enough evidence to merit a tribunal hearing.
The state federation will bring its finalised charges against Fannon to a three-member independent tribunal.
Persoglia said all parties required at the tribunal to give evidence, potentially including Cobram Soccer Club, would be informed within a week.
Both Cobram and Stonnington have stated they were unaware of Fannon and Smith's actions away from their respective clubs.
Stonnington plays in Melbourne metropolitan league division two south-east.
Even though the North Eastern league is not part of the metro system it is against state rules to be registered to, and play for, two clubs at the same time.
Fannon won last year's North Eastern league best and fairest award by two votes from Cobram Victory player Sam Grasso.
When contacted by The News yesterday, Fannon declined to comment.
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